In Bali, Indonesia, Minister of Foreign Affairs János Martonyi delivered a speech at the 9th WTO Ministerial Conference, in which he confirmed Hungary’s commitment to the multilateral trade system.

He emphasised: the precondition for successfully closing talks within the WTO framework and updating the international regulations is that the WTO come to terms with the basic changes in the world economy over the last two decades and that members with emerging economies also undertake commitments according to their increased level of competitiveness within the world economy.

János Martonyi said he supported the establishment of an ambitious trade facilitation agreement, because by breaking down the barriers the costs of international trade can be diminished and the trade of goods and services can be accelerated. He urged the settling of ongoing WTO accession negotiations, especially those with Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union held a meeting on the opening day of the Ministerial Conference. The Council discussed the EU standpoint to be represented at the Conference with Commissioner De Gucht and Commissioner Ciolos, as well as with the trade ministers of the member states. Conclusions were also approved at the meeting. During the discussion, János Martonyi pointed out that the EU must be constructive in order for negotiations to succeed, but flexibility cannot undermine our economic interests. The disintegration of the sensitive balance that has evolved during the preparation process should be avoided so that the EU is in a good position for the continuation of negotiations after the Ministerial Conference.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)